Uses For Epsom Salts

5 months, 1 week ago

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Posted on Dec 17, 2018, 3 p.m.

Epsom salts are not really a salt at all, it’s a mineral compound comprised of sulfate and magnesium that has been used for centuries as remedy for a variety of ailments and uses ranging from beauty, home and garden.

Sulfate and magnesium are readily absorbed into the skin. Over 325 enzymes within the body are regulated by magnesium which helps to reduce inflammation, alleviate hardening of arteries and improves muscle and nerve function; while sulfate helps to improve the rate at which nutrients are absorbed to help flush out toxins.

Warm baths with epsom salts are a good way to soothe sore muscles, cramps, bruises, joint pain, relax, and relieve stress. This can be of benefit after workouts, when not feeling well, or after a long day at work.

Skin is shed naturally and the buildup of dead skin cells can clog pores which may cause blemishes. Exfoliation can help to keep skin healthy, glowing and vibrant. Massaging a handful or two of epsom salts all over the body while in the shower can help to make the skin feel soft and fresh like a homemade spa treatment. A teaspoon of epsom salts with warm water can be used on the face as a cleaner that will exfoliate, rejuvenate, and help to remove blackheads and prevent acne.

Epsom salts can be used to make a homemade hand wash by combining half a cup of baby oil with a half a cup of water and one quarter cup of epsom salts, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a more personal touch. Soaking hands in an epsom salt bath can help to soothe rough skin, calm aching finger joints, and remove nail polish and dirt from under the nails by adding one quarter cup of epsom salts to a large bowl of water and soaking the hands for 5-10 minutes.

Dry, cracked lips can be painful, an epsom salt lip balm can help to heal this uncomfortable condition by mixing equal parts of organic coconut oil and epsom salts together, then applying generously to exfoliate and moisturize the lips.

Mixing one teaspoon of epsom salts in a glass with fresh juice can help to relieve constipation, although the taste is not very desirable, drink the full glass for best results.

Bee stings, mosquito bites, and poison ivy can be treated with a compress made from epsom salts by mixing two tablespoons of epsom salts with one cup of warm water, then soak a clean cloth in the mixture and hold it on the affected area to help alleviate some of the pain, burning, and itching. Skin that is irritated by a sunburn may also find some relief in a warm epsom salt bath.

Splinters can be difficult and painful to remove; use an epsom salt bath to draw the splinter out and leave the area clean without needing the needles to remove it.

Hair can also get a boost with a deep conditioner that will add volume and remove grease by combining equal parts of organic hair conditioner and epsom salt, applying liberally to hair, letting sit for 20 minutes, then rinsing clean.

Epsom salt baths can help to reduce swelling and draw out toxins and remove foot odors and fungus, mix one quarter cup of epsom salts to a large container of warm water and soak feet for 10-15 minutes.

One quarter cup of epsom salts with two cups of water in a spray bottle used around your home and garden can safely deter insects without the use of chemical insecticides.

By mixing equal parts of liquid dish soap with epsom salts, then scrubbing onto tiles in the kitchen/bathroom with a sponge and then rinsing clean with water can help to remove difficult to clean grime without use of harmful chemicals.

Some potted plants and lawn can be fertilized with epsom salts: for greener grass mix one cup of epsom salts for each gallon of water and spray over the lawn; for potted plants sprinkle epsom salts around the base of the plant once a week, this also works great for tomatoes and other vegetables.

Combined with a little essential oils, epsom salts make a good fabric softener that will boost your laundry and help to remove detergent build up from the washing machine; use four cups of epsom salts with 20 drops of your favorite essential oils of which one quarter cup can be added to each load of laundry.